NFL talk has shifted. Only a few weeks ago, all the scuttlebutt was about whether the NFL season could be completed. Today, the loudest whispers are: can the Steelers run the table? After their Wednesday slugfest against the Ravens, the Steelers are likely eyeing the Chiefs in the playoffs. Kansas City got a stirring win against the Bucs, but they face four tough games to end the regular season — after they dispense with those headless horsemen from Denver this weekend.
 
But long before we can get serious about the debate over the Steelers possibly running the table, NFL fans must make sense of this crazy playoff picture, where, this season, 14 teams — not 12 — will get to compete for that trip to Tampa in February. Aside from the current division leaders, the prime candidates include only a couple of early favorites, like the Browns and Bucs —  and several unexpected names, like the Giants, Cardinals and Dolphins. The 4-7 Giants (or any of the other three NFC East opponents) could very well be the only team to enter the playoffs with a losing record. I’m still pulling for the nameless Washington football club to win that division (which should itself be nameless). I guess I’m a big fan of symbolism (or is it regional shaming?)
 
Elsewhere, those Amazing Dolphins (7-4), have a good shot to add another win, even if Tua, their star rookie QB, can’t play this week. Therefore, the AFC East division-leading Bills cannot rest.
 
In Week 13, most of the matches should fall to obvious favorites — but I don’t predict a boring Sunday — the action kicks off with a massive showdown of two 8-3 teams: the Browns and the Titans.
 
Later in the day, the Rams (7-4) and Cardinals (6-5) square off, with the NFC West (yes, the wild, wild west is still unsettled) and possible wild card spots on the line.
 
And, speaking of the NFC West, those last-place 49ers (5-6) are looking reanimated, but the defending NFC champs must prove themselves this week against one of the other 8-3 teams in the AFC, the hard charging Bills.
 
While the Bucs and Panthers have a bye this week, the Saints try to hold on to their NFC-best record with a visit to the Falcons. No matter the records, that is always a great game.
 
Here are all the Week 13 games — and my picks:
 
 
       Away                Home              My Pick                     
 
1.     Browns            Titans              Titans             
2.     Raiders            Jets                  Raiders           
3.     Jaguars           Vikings             Vikings
4.     Bengals           Dolphins          Dolphins
5.     Colts                Texans             Colts   
6.     Lions                Bears               Bears
7.     Saints              Falcons            Falcons
8.     Giants              Seahawks        Seahawks                   
9.     Rams              Cardinals         Rams
10.  Patriots            Chargers          Chargers
11.  Eagles              Packers            Packers           
12.  Broncos            Chiefs              Chiefs             
13.  Washington      Steelers           Steelers
14.  Bills                  49ers               Bills
15.  Cowboys          Ravens            Ravens
     
Dear NFL: can you add a game on Friday?